Apple now sells three families of earbuds: the AirPods (the fourth generation arrived in 2024, with an optional noise-cancelling version), the AirPods Pro (the Pro 3 launched in late 2025), and the over-ear AirPods Max, now on USB-C. If you have used a pair daily for a few years, the battery is the first thing to go. You charge them more often, the runtime keeps shrinking, and eventually a single charge barely lasts a commute. So what should you do with your old AirPods? You have five practical options.
Your old AirPods are worth more than a drawer. If they still work, you can sell them on Back Market or a peer-to-peer marketplace for cash, or donate them. If the battery is failing, Apple will replace it (around $49 per AirPod or case, $79 for AirPods Max) or recycle them for free. The right choice depends on whether they still hold a charge.
Table of contents
1. Recycle
Apple AirPods can be recycled through the Apple Store and other e-waste programs for free. Recycling them is genuinely hard, though. The dense, glued build of these earpieces means they will not break down on their own for years.
Let Apple handle it through its Trade In program. AirPods do not earn trade-in credit (Apple only pays for devices like iPhones, iPads, and Macs), but Apple accepts them for free recycling. Apple even prints a do not landfill icon on the AirPods box.
The reason this matters is the battery. The earpieces are shredded and melted down for copper, but the lithium-ion cells stay glued inside the AirPods and pose a serious fire risk when shredded. Teardown videos show that removing the batteries by hand is too expensive for most recyclers to bother.
So the one reliable way to guarantee your AirPods are recycled properly is to send them to Apple. The process is simple and built into the same trade-in flow.
⏩ Recycle your AirPods with Apple Trade In
2. Replace the battery
Apple offers an official battery service for worn-out AirPods. If your pair is still under warranty and develops a battery fault, Apple should replace them free of charge.
In the US, Apple includes a limited one-year warranty. In the EU, Australia, and other jurisdictions, statutory law extends this to two years.
| AirPods | Covered by AppleCare+ | Out-of-warranty battery fee |
| AirPods Max | $0 | $79 |
| AirPods / AirPods Pro | $0 | $49 each |
| Charging Case, Wireless Charging Case (all) | $0 | $49 |
Out-of-warranty service also adds a small shipping and handling charge (roughly $7) if you mail the pair in. To put the fee in context, a refurbished pair often costs only a little more than two out-of-warranty battery swaps, so whether AirPods are still worth it at that point is a fair question.
If you bought AppleCare+, coverage runs for two years and includes a free battery replacement once your AirPods or case hold 80% or less of their original capacity.
If you have AppleCare+, request battery service before coverage ends, whether or not you have noticed a problem. It is the cheapest way to walk away with a fresh battery.
⏩ Replace your AirPods' battery with Apple's official service
3. Sell
If your AirPods still work, selling them turns clutter into cash and gives a working pair to someone else. Here are the best places to sell, starting with the fastest payout.
Back Market
Back Market runs a trade-in program that buys AirPods back directly. You answer a few questions about the model and condition, get an instant quote, and ship the pair with a prepaid label. A working pair of AirPods Pro in good shape can fetch up to around $100, and Back Market still pays for scratched or worn pairs that peer-to-peer buyers tend to avoid. Because the price is based on condition rather than buyer demand, it is the simplest hands-off option.
👉 Good to know: AirPods do not qualify for Apple Trade In credit, so a buyback service like Back Market is usually the only way to get paid by a single company.
eBay
eBay gives you the largest audience, which suits selling AirPods to buyers near or far. Write a detailed listing with clear photos and pick "Buy It Now" or auction. eBay charges a final value fee, but it offers discounted shipping labels and deposits payments straight to your bank.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace connects you with local buyers for quick, fee-free exchanges. Write a clear description and field questions through Messenger. Cash works best for local deals, and meeting in a public place keeps the exchange safe. If you would rather sell to a tech-savvy crowd, Swappa is a strong alternative: buyers come looking for devices like AirPods, fees are low and baked into the listing price, payments run through PayPal for protection, and tracked shipping is required.
Whatever route you pick, wipe the pair first: remove them from Find My, unpair them from your devices, and reset them to factory settings so the next owner can claim them.
4. Repurpose
If you prefer to keep your old AirPods but want more use, consider repurposing them for specific needs or situations. Here are a few creative ways to reuse your old AirPods:
Convert to a dedicated device pairing
Use your old AirPods with one particular device you use frequently, such as a tablet, gaming console, or work computer. A dedicated pair means you won't need to constantly switch connections between devices, making it easy to grab and go for specific activities.
Backup pair for workouts or outdoor activities
If you've upgraded to new AirPods, repurpose the old ones as a backup pair for workouts, outdoor activities, or any situation where they might get dirty or wet. This way, you can keep your primary pair pristine while using the backup for active, on-the-go listening.
Turn them into white noise sleep buds
Old AirPods can be transformed into sleep or relaxation buds by playing white noise, rain sounds, or nature audio. This setup is perfect if you need help falling asleep or focusing without background distractions. Using your older pair for this purpose ensures that your newer AirPods stay ready for daily use.
👉 Learn more: How Long Do AirPods Last? (Battery & Lifespan)
5. Donate
If your old AirPods are still functional, donating them is a great way to give them a second life while helping someone in need.
Many charitable organizations, schools, or community centers may accept gently used tech items, including headphones, for distribution to individuals who can benefit from them.
Donated AirPods could be used in educational programs, for students needing audio devices, or to support tech initiatives for low-income families.
Before donating, make sure of the following:
- The AirPods are in good condition and thoroughly cleaned.
- Remove them from your iCloud account and reset them to factory settings to protect your privacy.
- Look into local charities or online platforms that accept tech donations, such as Goodwill, the Salvation Army, or nonprofit organizations specializing in digital access.
Some charities also offer receipts for donated items, which may be tax-deductible, adding another benefit to passing on your old tech.
Final thoughts
If your AirPods are nearing the end of their life, you have options. Recycle them responsibly through Apple's Trade In program, replace the battery to extend their use, or sell them on Back Market or a peer-to-peer marketplace. If you would rather keep them, repurpose them for workouts or sleep sounds. And if they still work but you have moved on, donate them. Any of these beats the drawer, and each one keeps a pair out of the landfill.
We encourage our readers to try refurbished products to save time and money. A refurbished product is 100% functional, costs less, and saves a lot of e-waste. If you are shopping for your next pair, refurbished AirPods are often the best value, and you can weigh the current models in our AirPods 4 vs AirPods Pro 2 guide.
We have a selection of refurbished AirPods from different certified merchants, all with a warranty. You can check them all in real time here. 👇
👉 Related: Beats Studio 3 vs. AirPods Max: A Guide to the Best Headphones
Happy shopping! 🛍️
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Last updated: Jun 16, 2026 · First published: Nov 15, 2024